AOPA President Phil Boyer gave an eye-opening
presentation to TSA officials Monday, educating them on the
operational problems the new Washington, D.C., air defense
identification zone (ADIZ) presents to general aviation pilots, and
detailing the significant economic impacts that airspace
restrictions have on GA.
"I think the government was startled to learn that within 55
nautical miles of Washington, D.C., there are some 270 landing
facilities, including 33 public-use airports that are home to 95
businesses employing more than 800 people," said Boyer. "Those
businesses contribute some $158 million a year to the economy, with
a total economic impact of more than $453 million. Flight training
alone accounts for over $12 million, and repair and maintenance
adds another $11 million.
"And here's the kicker: If the government were to restrict GA
operations in this area, the government would lose $186,300 per day
in tax revenue."
Boyer's fact-filled PowerPoint presentation was part of a
"stakeholders" meeting between general aviation organizations and
TSA and FAA. TSA had asked AOPA what the impact would be if the
government were to restrict GA within 55 nm of the capital, as has
been proposed by some security officials.
Boyer and AOPA Senior Vice President for Government and
Technical Affairs Andy Cebula also explained some of the problems
created by the just-imposed ADIZ in the Baltimore-Washington Class
B airspace.
Of critical concern is the conflict between
security and safety concerns. The notam requires pilots to be in
constant contact with Potomac Tracon, which means they can't
communicate on the common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF or
unicom). That increases the risk of a midair collision at the
nontowered airports within the ADIZ.
AOPA also questioned whether air traffic control had the
staffing to handle the increased VFR traffic and if the flight
service station system could handle the increased volume of VFR and
IFR flight plans.
Boyer and Cebula explained that many of the airports within the
ADIZ don't have remote communications outlets to permit pilots to
talk to ATC on the ground. "Without these facilities, how can
pilots request the required discrete transponder codes, and how can
they open and close flight plans?" AOPA asked.
Boyer asked TSA for more such "listening sessions" and to form a
"go team" that would include general aviation experts to address
breaking security situations.